| Description |
An international medical communications agency has an opportunity for an Account Director to join their team.
Overall Purpose of the Job:
Under direction from the Business Unit Manager, provide proactive commercial direction of a large programmes so that the objectives of the client and division are met. A leadership role, which involves developing long-term, effective client business relationships at the brand manager/director level. Delivering sustained organic growth for a large programme and supporting the achievement of a new business development target for the unit.
Key accountabilities:
Client Relationship Development:
- Commercial strategic direction of large programme/account(s) within a single/multiple client roster
- Responsible with Team leader for development of rolling annual account strategy and plan
- Leader and driver of communications strategy & planning meetings for account/programmes
- Understand and challenge client product positioning/ marketing strategy
- Understand product science and input into scientific content
- Accountability for ensuring delivery to agreed company standards on the programme/account and adherence to external standards/guidelines inc. client SOPs/GPP
- Thorough understanding of client and pharma industry environment and how it influences the account
- Comprehensive understanding and consistent application of principles and processes of a strategic and tactical communication program
- Thorough knowledge of division offerings and how they will meet client/product needs
- Key point of contact for Brand Manager/Director
- Development of effective client relationships horizontally on the account/programmes
- Working knowledge of competitor agencies on the brand, their key strengths and potential divisional opportunities
- Issue handling, supporting the team or directly with the client
Finance:
- Deliver £1m –2m contribution annually from account(s)
- Responsibility for achievement of all relevant account(s) financial targets
- Accurate forecasting for account(s)/programmes in collaboration with Team Leader Overall management/control of account(s) team finances
- Responsibility for ensuring account(s) financials adhere to financial KPIs for Unit
- Responsibility for making pricing recommendations for non-standard/complex business for approval by the Business Unit Manager
Business Development:
- Focus on growth of existing business with current client base and where appropriate achievement of an individual business development (organic and new) target
- Proactive development of business with existing and closely related/aligned clients
- Lead/drive resourcing and preparation of compelling pitches/proposals/ideas generation on business translating from client needs(actively supported by SAD, BUM or New Business)
- Identify and where appropriate (relationship, knowledge) follow up leads/opportunities for new business
- Achieve business growth target for account(s)/programmes as defined by SAD/BUM
Operations:
- Line management, inc. training/mentoring/development of Account Manager(s)/Account Executive(s)/Project Assistant(s) as relevant
- Responsibility for forecasting, planning and management of account resources
- Ensures account team(s) understand and meet divisional KPIs
- Owner of account quality standards according to division quality standards and client SOPs/GPP
- Identify and resolve internal account issues
- Report to SAD/BUM on account management issues and implications
- Sharing ideas and best practice within team and across the business unit/division
- Support change management
- Identification of and development of key account drivers within the business unit/division
- Input into account succession planning
- Input into professional selection and recruitment within account(s)
- Understand and promote divisional values
- Demonstrate team leadership, motivation and drive
- Oversee and drive efficient working within own team and across other departments ensuring internal processes are followed
Key Attributes/Competencies:
Relevant commercial and operational experience within the pharmaceutical industry and/or medical communications agency environments with a demonstrable track record of handling brands across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle, from pre-through peri and post launch and portfolio brand management. - Evidence of development and delivery of strategic/ tactical communication/publications plans
- Networking ability
- Strong selling skills
- Strong influencing and negotiating skills
- A Team leader – engenders team spirit
- Forward thinking and planning for the account(s)
- Motivator
- Exhibits cross functional, unit and division collaboration
- Organised and disciplined
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Confident and decisive, determined and committed
- Clarity and sound judgement
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills
- Problem solving and creative ability
- Excellent social and interpersonal skills
- Lead by example – a role model
Package:
In return an excellent salary and benefits are offered.
|